Rahim AlHaj

Rahim AlHaj is an Iraqi American musician and actor, known for his mastery of the oud. He formed the musical group Little Earth Orchestra, which blends western instruments with Arabic styles of music. He also stars in the 2025 drama film, The President's Cake.

Early life and education Rahim AlHaj was born in Baghdad, Iraq. He began playing the oud at age nine, graduating with a degree in music composition He only saw his mother alive one more time, when he visited Iraq in 2004. and nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award.

AlHaj's music delicately combines traditional Iraqi maqams with contemporary styling and influence.

He featured in the documentary XXI Century in 2003.

Recognition and awards 1988: Music Institute (Baghdad Conservatory) Award for Composition 2001: Award from Veterans for Peace for work towards peace 2003: Winner of the Bravo Award for Excellence in Music 2008: Grammy nomination for Best Traditional World Music Album, for When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq 2010: Grammy nomination for Best Traditional World Music Album, for Ancient Sounds (UR Music, 2010)

Discography The Second Baghdad (2002) Iraqi Music in a Time of War (2003; live album) Friendship: Oud and Sadaqa String Quartet (2005) When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, 2006/7) Home Again (UR Music, 2008) Under the Rose (2009) Little Earth (2010) Ancient Sounds (UR Music, 2010) Letters from Iraq Journey, a retrospective, with one new track (2014) Infinite Hope (2015), feat. Indian sarod master Amjad Ali Khan One Sky, feat. Iranian santour master Sourena Sefati (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, 2018)